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Acta unveils Indians' Opening Day lineup

Acta unveils Indians' Opening Day lineup

Manny Acta 96

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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As the temperature threatens to reach triple digits in the Phoenix area this week, the Indians have left their spring home and are getting themselves re-acquainted with Cleveland and its early-season elements.

On Wednesday afternoon, light snow flurries danced through a brisk breeze as the Tribe took the field at Huntington Park -- home of the club's Triple-A affiliate in Columbus -- before the snow intensified and forced the cancellation of the exhibition game against the Clippers in the third inning, with the score tied at 1.

"I think it's good to have these two days before the season starts," said Acta, his hands shoved inside his jacket. "I'd rather do it this way than just fly straight from Arizona to Cleveland and start playing."

Come Friday, when the Indians host the rival White Sox in a 3:05 p.m. ET affair on Opening Day, the temperature should be up a few ticks and no snow is currently in the forecast. That is good news for Cleveland and its lineup, which was officially revealed by Acta before Wednesday's game.

As expected, center fielder Michael Brantley will open the year as the Tribe's leadoff man with Grady Sizemore (left knee) set to begin on the disabled list. Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who was out of the lineup on Wednesday, is expected to serve as the Indians' regular No. 2 hitter.

Acta held Cabrera out of the lineup against Columbus because the shortstop is nursing a sore right thumb, which was struck by a ground ball during a Cactus League game on Tuesday. Acta said Cabrera will take part in Thursday's team workout, and he should be cleared for Opening Day.

Last season, the Indians finished with 646 runs scored, which ranked 12th in the American League and 26th overall in baseball. With players such as Santana, Hafner and Asdrubal Cabrera feeling strong after injuries, and Sizemore due back soon, the Tribe is expecting an improved offense in 2011.

"I feel so much better than last year," Acta said recently about his offense. "We feel good about our lineup."